North State in Brief: April 12, 2013

A 32-year-old Redding woman has pleaded no contest to child abuse and other charges in connection with accusations she threatened to slit the throat of her 3-year-old son.

Misty Ledeen Dorman was set to have a preliminary hearing in her case Thursday before a Shasta County Superior Court judge. Instead, she'll return to court May 8 for sentencing, according to court records.

Dorman initially was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, battery upon an officer and emergency personnel and resisting, obstructing and delaying an officer or emergency medical technician.

She pleaded no contest to the battery charge and an additional charge of felony abuse. It couldn't immediately be learned whether the plea was part of a deal struck with prosecutors.

Dorman was arrested after sheriff's deputies were called to a Sylvia Lane residence on reports of a domestic disturbance there.

In a written report, a deputy said he saw Dorman seated on the front porch with the boy holding a weapon to the child's throat and threatening to kill him. She struggled with deputies trying to arrest her and hit one in face, deputies said.

During her February arraignment, Misty Dorman had to be restrained by deputy marshals after an emotional outburst in court.

Dorman is being held in Shasta County jail in lieu of $160,000 bail.

North state schools are 'distinguished'

Three Shasta County schools have been named California Distinguished Schools: Foothill High School in Palo Cedro and University Preparatory School and Mountain View Middle School in Redding. In Siskiyou County, Mount Shasta High School earned the honor.

The north state schools are on a list of 218 high schools and middle schools recognized for their commitment and innovative approaches to improving academic achievement. State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson announced the Distinguished Schools Thursday.

"These schools have gone the extra mile to provide high-quality instruction that puts their students on the right path toward career and college," Torlakson said. "Given the enormous challenges that schools have faced in recent years, it is inspiring to see this kind of success in so many schools."

Distinguished Schools agree to share their signature practices with other schools. The schools will be honored in May during regional awards ceremonies. Each will receive a plaque and a flag.

The state is recognizing middle and high schools this year. Next year's honors will go to elementary schools.

Cancer Society holds parking lot sale

The American Cancer Society's Discovery Shop on Churn Creek Road is holding a parking lot sale Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Booths are still available for the event at 2961 Churn Creek Road in Redding.